Michael Taylor, a veteran of service in state and county government and a past Oklahoma state commander of the American Legion, announces he will seek the Republican nomination for the Senate District 40 seat.
The seat will be vacated by term limited Senator Cliff Branan in 2014.
“I believe my experience with the nuts and bolts of government at the state and local levels would bring a much-needed perspective to the Legislature,” Taylor said. “With the many uncertainties and mandates coming out of Washington these days, we need to be even more cautious with how we spend the taxpayer’s money. Someone who has actually worked in the trenches assuring that tax money is spent efficiently and wisely would be an asset to the Senate.”
Taylor currently serves as second deputy to District Two Oklahoma County Commissioner Brian Maughan. In that role he oversees work by county road and bridge crews, and works closely with other county departments. He also served as a staff member of the Oklahoma Department of Labor during the administration of former Commissioner Brenda Reneau, and with the Oklahoma Insurance Department.
“One lesson I have learned through government service is that we must do more to eliminate duplication and increase efficiency,” Taylor said. He said a major goal of his legislative service would be to encourage job and business development by eliminating unnecessary regulations and assuring a trained capable workforce.
“Having a child in one of Oklahoma’s finest charter schools has reinforced my belief that parents and students deserve a wide range of choices in education,” he said. “I am a strong supporter of parental choice.”
He is also committed to assuring services to the elderly, veterans and the disabled.
Taylor is an Air Force veteran who served as a weather specialist. He has long been active in veterans’ issues and served as state commander for the American Legion. He was also appointed by Gov. Brad Henry to the state War Veterans Commission.
Taylor and his wife, Miranda, have been married for 16 years. They have two daughters, Allison, who attends Harding Charter Prep School, and Kathryn, a student at Messiah Lutheran School. They attend Messiah Lutheran Church, where Taylor has served as a board member for the school. He has also served as a public policy coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Association OK/AR chapter.
Senate District 40 includes parts of Bethany, Warr Acres, The Village, Nichols Hills and northwest Oklahoma City. Branan has represented the district for three terms and is term limited in 2014.
